Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital has suspended all elective surgical procedures after running out of critical anaesthetic agents required for general anaesthesia, with similar supply constraints affecting the Central Medical Stores. The suspension is intended to prioritize limited supplies for emergency cases, and has raised parliamentary concerns about patient safety and operational stability at public health facilities.
Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital has suspended all elective surgical procedures after running out of critical anaesthetic agents required for general anaesthesia, with similar supply constraints affecting the Central Medical Stores. The suspension is intended to prioritize limited supplies for emergency cases, and has raised parliamentary concerns about patient safety and operational stability at public health facilities.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare dismissed claims that planned VIP wards at public hospitals would create a two-tier healthcare system, saying the government's objective is to upgrade public health services accessible to all Namibians and that the controversy has been "dramatised". Opposition lawmakers questioned whether the initiative contradicts government policy on equality, with some arguing it risks reinforcing inequality within public healthcare.
Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti presented the N$35.104 million youth and sports budget for the 2026/2027 financial year to the National Assembly, framing it as a strategic investment in Namibia's future given that 71.1% of the population is under 35. The budget allocates funds for youth skills training and entrepreneurship, the National Youth Service, sports development and infrastructure including N$140 million for basic sporting facilities across regions.
Minister Veikko Nekundi presented the 2026/2027 budget allocation of N$592.972 million for the Department of Works to the National Assembly, with N$499 million for operational costs and N$93.972 million for capital investment. The budget addresses public infrastructure development, government asset management, and maintenance of state facilities across five programmes.
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare has been allocated N$417.2 million for the 2026/2027 financial year to advance gender equity, child protection, and women's economic empowerment across Namibia. In the past year, the ministry supported 347 survivors of gender-based violence and trafficking, accommodated 329 street children in boarding schools, and expanded early childhood development enrolment from 110,726 to 126,213 across the country.
South Africa's accession to the African Export-Import Bank as its 54th member brings a $11 billion commitment to transform Africa's trade architecture through mineral processing, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure investment. The move positions the continent to retain value in raw materials and access global trade frameworks rather than exporting unprocessed minerals.
Hundreds gathered in Otjozondjupa to pay respects to former governor and National Assembly member James Unomasa Uerikua, who died in a car accident over Easter weekend along with his 14-year-old son, Venturo. Former First Lady Monica Geingos and fellow leaders praised his legacy as a visionary who championed agriculture, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.
An opinion piece argues that appointing an information commissioner at N$1.4 million annually is unnecessary bureaucracy, asserting existing government institutions and online resources already provide public information. The author contends that inefficiency in government responsiveness, not lack of access, is the real problem Namibia should address.
The Anti-Corruption Commission has set aside N$100,000 for specialised consultancy services to support complex investigations and strategy development in its 2026/27 budget of N$1.9 million. The ACC says outsourcing expert advice is more cost-effective than maintaining permanent specialised staff, though a lawyer noted the amount is modest relative to costs in major corruption cases like Fishrot.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah says the government will pursue a fair and dignified outcome in genocide negotiations with Germany, with revised terms providing for long-term reparations and healing support rather than a one-off payment. A conclusion may be reached before year-end, though opposition figures have criticised the initial €1.1 billion agreement as insufficient compared to Holocaust reparations.